Weather News

Cyclone Narelle expected to bypass WA coast

In its current project path, Cyclone Narelle is not expected to cross the WA coast. - Audience submitted

The town of Exmouth is preparing for the potential impact of Tropical Cyclone Narelle, which is currently off Western Australia's Pilbara coast.

Local authorities have decided not to upgrade cyclone warnings after the latest forecast shows Narelle moving away from the coast.

However, the cyclone, which is currently a category-4 system located about 495 kilometres north, north-west of Exmouth, is still expected to bring strong winds and heavy rain.

The State Emergency Service says there is still a chance destructive weather could cause problems in the town.

Exmouth Shire President Turk Shales says authorities are on standby and the town's evacuation centre is ready to open if needed.



"We are very, very cautious at this stage, it does show that the cyclone is going down west of the Cape, but we are still going to cop a lot of wind and a lot of rain unfortunately," he said.

"Once it gets to the Cape and starts heading towards the southern corridor, we'll be more than happy."

Local businesses say they are being kept busy by last-minute shoppers.

Stocks of fresh food are said to be running low with scheduled delivery trucks postponed due to the predicted dangerous weather.

Communities between Mardie and Coral Bay will remain on blue alert until further notice, while the Shire of Roebourne, which includes Karratha and Dampier, has been given the all clear.


- ABC

© ABC 2013

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